You don’t need to be a professional to paint beautiful crown moldings. While it is not a simple task, investing your time to learn how to paint crown molding yourself will save you money and the hassle of hiring contractors. With the help of these steps, a well-painted crown molding can give your room a unique touch and make it brighter.
Painting a crow molding usually involves two main tools. You can either paint crown molding using a hand brush or a sprayer. Regardless of the method you choose, ensure you have the right tools and do some preparations beforehand.
Here are 6 steps that you must follow to paint a gorgeous crown molding without the help of contractors.
- Using the right brushes.
- Prepare the crown molding.
- Tape the walls and ceiling.
- Get a quality primer.
- Choose the preferred method of painting.
- Caulk it.
Get the right brushes
For you to paint crown molding, you should take your time to find high-quality brushes. Using a low-quality one is not advisable since this can easily leave marks and streaks on the finish that don’t look good. As you search for the right brushes for this task, consider enamel ones that feature tapered edges and flagged tips.
You can also use angled sash varnish brushes since they have sharp edges that easily paint around corners. Such brushes are great when painting crown molding next to the ceiling or wall. Alternatively, you can also use Purdy brushes that come with soft bristles. These tend to lay the paint better than other types of brushes. As you look for the right brushes, choose high gloss paint instead of going for flat paint.
Prepare the crown molding
Are you working on crown molding that has dents or nail holes? If yes, you should first repair it before you paint it. Utilizing quality wood filler can help you repair the crown molding. As soon as it is dry, you should sand the crown molding. Do this in small sections as you check for any imperfections since these can easily show on the finish coat. Feel free to run your hand on the surface as you sand the crown molding and eliminate any defects. After this, you should wipe the surface using a damp rag.
Tape the walls and ceiling
Apart from prepping the crown molding, you should also prep the walls and ceiling before painting. You can do this with masking tape. This can prevent the transfer of the paint and keep the edges looking crisp. Also, protect the floor and furniture with some plastic sheeting during the painting job.
Get a quality primer
You should also purchase quality wood primers that can seal the surface. Priming is essential before painting bare crown molding since this can help the paint stick to the surface. Instead of applying paint directly on bare wood, applying it over dried primer can help you get a smooth finish.
Once you purchase it, ensure that you apply it in even strokes. Every time you begin a different stroke, you should brush towards the last one that you applied. Ensure that you complete every section with a light stroke. Once the primer is dry, you need to sand the crown molding using fine grit.
Choose the preferred method of painting
You can either go for the hand brushing method or the spray painting method. For hand brushing, start by cutting the ceiling, then roll it. Once the molding is completely dry, you should then cut in each wall then roll it. Are you using a light color to paint crown molding? If yes, consider applying more than one coat of paint to get better coverage. Ensure that you give each coat you apply on the crown molding enough time to dry based on the specifications on the label.
If you are using the spray painting method, you should consider doing this outside to minimize the risks of using a sprayer indoors. For this method, you should use an airless sprayer. This can help you finish the task faster. Ensure that you spray the crown molding vertically in overlapping strokes. Feel free to begin in one corner, then work your way around it.
Caulk it
Once the painting job is complete, do not forget to caulk it. You should utilize caulk to fill in each seam. Check out for gaps that you may leave around the corners. Use a damp rag over the caulk to wipe it. Doing this can help you get rid of excess caulk to leave the seam looking even.
Conclusion
If you paint crown molding properly, it can significantly transform a room. Take your time to do the job, and do not skip any of the above steps.
FAQs
Is crown molding often painted?
Some crown moldings come painted, while others do not. Those that come complete have limited color choices.
What color should I choose for my crown molding?
You can choose a complementary or a contrasting shade. During your selection, avoid going for a very dark or bold color since this can draw unnecessary attention to the crown molding.
